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by Elena Epstein

NAPPA Awards Q & A with Justin and Monique Honaman, creators of KIC-Start, 2019 NAPPA Award winner

Justin and Monique Honaman with their kids Kendall and Harrison

Justin and Monique Honaman are based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are parents of two kids, ages 18 and 20 and launched Contender Brands in 2016 “after talking about various ideas for about 7 years!” We are thrilled to get to know them better.

Tell us a little about how KIC-Start was born and where your inspiration came from?

We love “BIG” talk. We love when we have engaging dialogue with others, as opposed to that small-talk banter that doesn’t accomplish anything. That idea led us to the creation of our first get-to-know-you conversation-starter game called, “Cocktail Farty” where FART stands for “Friends Admitting Real Truths.” We received such a tremendous response to that first game that we launched three more conversation-starter sets (Whine Barrel, BrewaHa, and KegO’Cards). Each of these games while more adult-focused, are not obscene or crude in any way, however we realized we had an opportunity to share the joy of great conversation with younger people as well. We recognize that kids are spending more time on technology, and less time engaging in eye-to-eye dialogue, and that led us to create KIC-Start. KIC stands for Kids in Conversation, and the whole idea is to teach kids the art of conversational curiosity (ask a question, listen with empathy, thoughtfully prepare an answer, respond and share). Our inspiration comes from recognizing the truly wonderful relationships that are made when people take the time to really talk, listen and connect to one another.

 Tell us a little about your daily life as working parents.

Like so many other working parents, our daily lives are spent aligning the priorities of the day, juggling the various balls, and ensuring that the glass ones don’t drop. Our “day” jobs are very corporate. Justin works in digital technology and transformation, and Monique works in executive development. Contender Brands is our side-hustle where we are able to exercise our creative energies. We love coming up with new ideas and taking them from concept to creation.

What do you enjoy doing when not working?

Both of our children are in the process of launching out of our nest, and that is exciting as we see what the new change in routine brings to us all. We are both active in our communities and both serve on various boards and volunteer with various non-profits primarily those that serve to build children of courage, confidence and character. In our “free” time, we love to take our 3 rescue dogs on walks, love spending time at the lake, and enjoy hiking, kayaking, and all sorts of other outdoor adventures.

Favorite place to be with your family?

Family time with all 4 of us becomes more scarce as everyone gets involved in their own activities. Time together becomes more sacred! We’re not ashamed to admit that we use awesome adventure vacations (that we fully fund!) as opportunities for all four of us to connect, have fun, and spend quality time together!

Best life advice?

Monique’s life mantra is “What’s the worst that can happen?” People are frequently too slow to make change or take a risk for fear of what might happen. Asking, “what’s the worst that can happen?” helps you put things into perspective.

Justin’s life mantra is “All-in!” His approach is to give 100% energy and enthusiasm to every endeavor to which he commits.

Best advice for parents on trying to balance it all?

Don’t try to balance it all! Balance gives the perception of a teeter-totter where both ends need to be equally weighted in order to be in balance. Think of what happens when the bigger kid gets off the teeter-totter and the smaller kid would come crashing down. Frankly, on any given day, one priority or another in your life will require more attention than another. Instead of balancing it all, we prefer to think of it as being focused and present on whatever priority needs your attention at that point in time (instead of being at the school or sporting event worrying about the next day’s business meeting).

 

For more award-winning products, visit nappaawards.com

 

by Elena Epstein

We love discovering new products that we absolutely love and want to share with all of you and our recent NAPPA-Award winning Frankie Cameron Braid Bag is just such a find — a gorgeous leather bag with removable liners that’s practical and beautiful. We had the honor to get to know the mom designer behind this great bag and we’re thrilled to introduce her to all of you. Meet Frankie, mom of two, designer and business-owner from Occidental, California.

Frankie with her adorable family.

Tell us a little about how the Frankie Cameron bag was born and where your inspiration came from?

When I had my first son in 2015, I searched everywhere for a baby bag I loved and could not find anything that was both fashionable and functional and that I could use and love after baby. This was how the idea for my zip out, washable liner was born. Now our line features washable liners for all bags, and all our large bags can quickly go from baby bag to regular purse in seconds, so you can love and use your bag before, baby, after baby and beyond. The liners are also water resistant so you can spill in your bag and never worry, something I felt was really missing for moms and all gals on the go!

Tell us a little about your daily life as a working mom.

My days are a bit crazy for sure but always entertaining to say the least. I start my day and get my kids going and ready for their adventures, then I try to get in a work out before going to training with my horse. (I currently ride for Team USA so my riding is very regimented.), once that is done I try to be in the office daily by 10:30 where I spend the rest of my day working on my company Athletux and Frankie Cameron. After that, its full time mom mode with the boys after they finish preschool, playing, dinner, baths, then reading/hanging out before they go to bed. After that I am usually back to work for Frankie Cameron packing orders and squeezing in any other work that needs to get done before I go to bed. On the weekends we try to spend time as a family since my husband also works full time. We love going down to the local bakery on weekend mornings and getting cinnamon rolls and treats in our little tiny town. I feel like we have a birthday party to attend every weekend, and we love spending time outside playing on our property. Then Sunday evenings I usually spend an hour or two once the boys have fallen asleep getting ready for the week work-wise and catching up on emails.

What do you enjoy doing when not working?

I ride horses in a sport called 3 day eventing. It is my therapy and a time when I can clear my mind of everything else going on.

Frankie at a competition. Photo credit: by Sherry Stewart

Favorite place to be with your family?

Home. I am always on the move so being at home is pretty magical. We are very fortunate to live in the country and there is nothing better than just playing outside.

Frankie and her son. Photo credit: Marian Moneymaker

Best life advice?

Dream your life, live your dreams. My companies have shown me that if you can dream it, you can do it and that if you never try, then you will never know. You might just surprise yourself.

Best advice for working moms on trying to balance it all?

It is definitely hard to balance it all. In addition to Frankie Cameron, I run a marketing firm full time that I started back in 2011. The best advice I could give someone to juggle it all is be present in what you are doing at that moment, and surround yourself with incredible people who will lift you up when you need it and support you in your journey. Sometimes juggling it all just means shifting things around to make it all work. I work a lot after my boys go to bed and take a lot of emails on the go now, but if you love what you do enough, anything is possible and hopefully your kids will learn to work hard and follow their dreams and passions in the process.

For more information on the Frankie Cameron Bag and to see more styles, visit: frankiecameron.com

 

 

 

 

 

by Darlene R. Taylor

Washington, D.C. is well known for its monuments and lawmakers, but there’s much more to the area than its statues and politicians. Ask Washingtonians, and we’ll rattle off a list of our favorite bits of history, neighborhood restaurants, museums, theaters and parks. The Trust for Public Land’s 2018 ParkScore ranks Washington, D.C. third and nearby Arlington, Va., fourth for cities with the best parks.

I was raised in D.C. and established my career here, and springtime is one of my favorite things about the city. When it arrives, it colors the city pink with cherry blossoms. I get in my car, open the moon roof and drive through Rock Creek Park, cranking up the volume on Will Smith’s “Summertime.” The beat and rhyme flow with the road, curving alongside thick greenery and slick creek stones, passing joggers and families gathering around picnic grills. The Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium are places to cool down on the woody trails among low-hanging ferns and chestnut oaks, which are some of the oldest and tallest trees in the park.

For a five-day visit to D.C. and neighboring Maryland and Virginia, here are some of my favorite ways to have family fun.

Where to Stay

The Morrison-Clark Historic Inn & Restaurant is a convenient downtown favorite with the feel of home, combining the architecture of two Victorian-styled homes and D.C.’s first Chinese community church and parsonage for a design that blends cultures. The bright orange chairs on the front porch and the brick courtyard make an inspiring and comfortable setting for my writing staycations. For the family traveler, Morrison-Clark Inn features connecting rooms, pack-n-play for babies, babysitting referrals and a doctor on call.

Getting Around

From the Morrison-Clark, historical sites, restaurants, shops and entertainment are easy to reach. The Washington Convention Center, Capital One Arena, the Smithsonian Institution’s National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum and the White House are within walking distance. The museums, grassy walks and monuments of the National Mall are near, but for little ones the trek could be exhausting. The Circulator bus costs $1 to ride and is popular with locals and tourists. It loops through downtown and includes stops at Union Station and DuPont Circle.

D.C. driving and walking tour apps are available for download on your phone. Tour buses can be pricey for a large family of travelers. Scooters and ride-hailing services are affordable ways to get around, and many sites are accessible by Metro.

Day One

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum is a treat for little ones. PHOTO BY DANE PENLAND

The National Mall is home to treasures of art, culture and history. Hungry from wandering the monuments and museums? The Smithsonian museums also provide great lunchtime dining. My favorite is the Courtyard Café at the National Portrait Gallery. After viewing presidential portraits, I grab a salad and sparkling water and sit in the atrium. It’s a great spot for the little ones to take a break and splash in the Scrim Fountain, with the occasional pigeon claiming a spot to coo.

With a pass to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture, enjoy the best meal on the mall: the collard greens, mashed potatoes, pan-fried Louisiana Catfish Po’boy and High Mesa Peach and Blackberry Cobbler dessert at Sweet Home Café.

Day Two

Pennsylvania Avenue is one of the most history-making streets in all of D.C. The inauguration parade route follows this avenue from the Capitol and passes D.C.’s city hall, Freedom Plaza and the National Theatre on the way to the White House.

D.C. is a top-25 media market, and you can see major events in history through the news lens at the Newseum on Pennsylvania Avenue. The building’s most striking feature are the words of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution etched into its marble exterior. Inside its galleries, learn about the importance of the free press and First Amendment. Front pages of newspapers from around the world display 9/11 coverage, and the Pulitzer Prize Photo Gallery showcases historical events captured by photographers and photojournalists. At the Berlin Wall Gallery, you and your family can experience this piece of history in a mind-blowing way by wearing virtual-reality headsets while standing in front of eight 12-foot-high concrete sections of the original wall, the largest display of unaltered portions of the wall outside of Germany.

In the afternoon, turn to Washington’s unique Civil War history at the African American Civil War Museum in the historic U Street Corridor. The museum teaches through exhibits and artifacts, plus a treasure hunt and interpretation that allow kids to explore while dressed in Union uniforms.

For dinner, the kids might enjoy a vegetarian black bean, Angus beef, ground turkey or marinated grilled chicken-breast burger – plus potato or sweet potato fries – at Bolt Burger across the street from the Morrison- Clark Inn. For more D.C. flavor, Baby Wale is just around the corner for easy eats, go-go beats and historic posters from bandleader Chuck Brown and band Rare Essence.

Day Three

President Lincoln’s Cottage at the Soldier’s Home in the Petworth neighborhood is a great place to read stories to kids. PHOTO COURTESY PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN COTTAGE

The historic Anacostia neighborhood is where you’ll find Cedar Hill, the home of Frederick Douglass. The house and visitor center is administered by the National Park Service (NPS) and is frequently visited by kids ages 5-12 collecting badges as part of the Junior Ranger Program.

During his lifetime, Douglass met with President Abraham Lincoln to discuss ending slavery. Both lived in hilltop homes with views of the U.S. Capitol that carry a heritage that seems to still be in conversation with this city of legislators.

From the porch of President Lincoln’s Cottage at the Soldier’s Home in the Petworth neighborhood, the U.S. Capitol building dome is visible. Named one of the best off-the-mall museums, the cottage, learning center and grounds are a place of reflection and connection, a place for storytelling. Sitting on the porch steps, try reading a story to your kids.

President Lincoln lived at the cottage with his wife and children during the Civil War, and he wrote the Emancipation Proclamation here. Staff describe the site as a “place of ideas.” Education programs inspire young people with stories. “Lincoln’s Hat” models the president’s practice of storing notes with his ideas he jotted down in his stovepipe hat. “I See the President” invites fourth and fifth graders to re-imagine a story from someone President Lincoln would have met on his route between the cottage, Civil War-era Washington and the White House.

The cottage sits in a reviving business district of neighborhood cafés, shops and sports facilities along Upshur Street and Georgia Avenue. On Georgia Avenue is The Pitch Tavern, known for its chicken wings and sauces, and big screens for sports. Nearby Lulabelle’s Sweet Shop, a candy-colored ice cream and gift shop, boasts a table of purple, yellow, orange, green and pink peppermint sticks, black cherry flavored Sassy Straws at 25 cents each, toys, writing tablets and hand games plus hand-dipped scoops of ice cream and sorbet.

Day Four

The Baltimore Harbor is a 30-minute drive from D.C. The USS Constellation, an historic tall ship docked in the harbor, is open for children to climb aboard.

Nearby, Port Discovery Children’s Museum offers three floors of play-filled time for toddlers to 10-year-olds. Play, art and exploration equal learning within this colorfully designed kid space. There’s soccer, climbing and discovery. At the play market, kids select grocery items, learning healthy food choices. The Wonder of Water delivers wet and fun learning about evaporation, cloud formation and rain. In the Studio Workshop, kids sit at tables gluing fabrics, paper and shiny decorations. Little Picassos and Romare Beardens sit at art easels, crayon in hand, drawing a sitter or still life.

Day Five

Kids learn about flight at the National Air and Space Museum. PHOTO BY ERIC LONG

Just off the beltway, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum at Dulles International Airport in Virginia is an adventure for little climbers. With all those flying machines, including spaceships and war planes and flight simulators, it is the coolest and most fun. I hear kids negotiating with their parents to stay all day. Someone even asked to spend the night. Its companion building on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. is also fun.

Nearby Splash Down Water Park in Manassas provides a day of water fun for the family. To continue enjoying area park lands, NOVA Parks manages Meadowland Botanical Gardens, a site of 100 acres of public gardens and three lakes. Scavenger hunts to discover nature and plant life can be arranged in advance for little ones.

Must Do’s

Imagination Stage is the largest theater-arts organization for youth in the area and includes a year-round season of shows, classes and camps. PHOTOS COURTESY IMAGINATION STAGE

If your stay includes a Saturday or Sunday, Imagination Stage in Bethesda, Md., is entertaining for kids and parents. The 2019 season calendar is online at imaginationstage.org.

Imagination Stage is the largest theater-arts organization for youth in the area and includes a year-round season of shows, classes and camps for ages 1 to 18. There’s no bad seat in the house. There are lap passes, booster seats and floor seating. Equitable access is available for children of all abilities, including a quiet room that looks onto the stage and inclusive programming.

Special weekend theater gets ages 1 to 5 wiggling, whistling, shaking and laughing. Saturday Song Circle is an interactive experience that uses popular children’s stories, songs and musical instruments to get little bodies moving. Sunday Fun Day brings familiar songs such as “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” and stories like “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.”

With so many parks and vibrant walking neighborhoods, D.C. is a fitness city. To explore the city on foot at a faster pace, the District Running Collective (DRC) inspires runners of all backgrounds and experience to learn about D.C. and become part of the community by running it. DRC hosts a free Wednesday Night Run and meets every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Exhale Bar & Lounge on Florida Avenue N.E. and at various locations for Saturday runs. For information or to sign up, visit districturunningcollective.com.

In whatever way you and your family experience my hometown, take as much of it in as you can.

Darlene Taylor is a Washington, D.C. writer, cultural arts advocate and founder of INKPEN, a nonprofit that aims to connect writers and readers.

by Cassandra Lane

A family vacation at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana includes a KIDZ BOP fan experience as part of the all-inclusive package.

KIDZ BOP POOL PARTY Photo courtesy Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana

Expose kids to music early, and a river of melodies and beats is likely to course through their blood for a lifetime. A lullaby or Beethoven can calm them when they’re babies. Michael Jackson’s music still carries magic for each new generation. At 3, my son, Sol, was pulling his dad’s hats down over his eyes and spinning his body like the King of Pop, even though the world had already said a sad goodbye to the legend. Today, at 11, Sol doesn’t even need music to burst out in dance. Some melody (previously heard or made up) is forever imprinted in his brain.

I blame the jazz teacher I used to share a room with when I taught high school English literature and journalism in the Crenshaw District. I was pregnant the year the jazz teacher and his teenage musicians would take over my classroom afterschool. As I sat at my desk grading essays, I could feel my baby kicking in response to the drums, the saxophone, the trumpet. After Sol was born, he continued to get anointed with music because the trumpet player’s mom became his babysitter. Adding to that gumbo is a legacy of musicians: my mother has been a gospel guitarist since she was 11, and my uncles were small-town-famous gospel quartet singers. So it was in the cards: My husband and I had no choice but to serve as the audience members of Sol’s many living-room performances.

When the AIC Hotel Group invited me to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic for the launch of its partnership with the beloved KIDZ BOP brand, I figured it would be a perfect venue for Sol to test out his performance acumen in a larger setting. Sol pulled on my/his Panama hat, packed his earbuds and neck pillow and started schooling us on the latest Kidz Bop songs–clean, kid-friendly versions of popular hits, some of which this Hip Hop mama already knows way too well (Sorry not sorry: the beats get me through my commutes).

The KIDZ BOP Punta Cana experience debuted last summer and allows young vacationers to live out their pop-star dreams through an interactive creative space made just for them. During opening week, The KIDZ BOP Kids made a special visit for the “Ultimate KIDZ BOP Fan Experience,” a week-long celebration that included the KIDZ BOP Kids in live concert, pink carpet photo opps, a pool party, beach Olympics and a karaoke contest vacationing kids.

“Fans always ask, ‘What’s it like to be a KIDZ BOP Kid?’ Now, they can feel like a star for their whole vacation,” said Sasha Junk, SVP of Marketing at KIDZ BOP.

My family and I were giddy as we boarded the plane. I could just picture Sol up there on the stage, singing and dancing to his heart’s content. When he does the thing with the hat, I thought, the audience will go wild!

Musical Arrival

At the Punta Cana airport, our tired limbs were re-invigorated by a group of three musicians playing a mind-blowingly fast number on the tambora drum, accordion and the güira, a metal scraper indigenous to the Dominican Republic and used as a percussion instrument in cumbia and merengue tipico. I stopped to dance for a few seconds. With this style of music running at 120 to 160 beats per minute, a quick sweat is a sure treat. The bright lime-green walls of the airport were likewise breaths of fresh air. In my mind’s eye, I could already feel the Caribbean Sea breeze, could taste the fresh coconut lining a cocktail, could see my family dancing into the wee hours of the night.

On the way to Hard Rock, Mickey, our driver, told us that he had already taken streams of people to the resort. “They’re in town for that KIDZ BOP thing,” he said. “It’s a big party all weekend.”

Yassss!

Setting the Stage

My ideal vacation usually consists of staying in the city center, meeting as many local residents as possible, eating in little off-the-radar spots and taking in historic sites. My husband and son, on the other hand, are creatures of comfort. The Hard Rock’s Punta Cana resort, with its sprawling and beautifully manicured acreage dotted with cabanas made out of cana trees, restaurants, whirl-spa-equipped rooms, ample balconies, state-of-the-art spas and gym and the five-minute walk to the ocean (Punta Cana lies at the confluence of the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, and the hotel is on the Atlantic), was paradise for them.

There are 13 eateries on the resort. We opted for Ipanema, an outdoor Brazillian-style restaurant that overlooks the ocean and includes seven meat options for the churrascarias (Sol’s mouth watered for anything bacon-wrapped); Isla, which serves fresh Caribbean cuisine (spicy sautéed shrimp in a plantain boat was our fave) and Toro, which serves an international breakfast and lunch buffet and is a steakhouse for dinner.

For parents looking to have a date, the resort offers a daycare filled with floor-to-ceiling play structures, games and a welcoming staff. I suggest taking advantage of it so you can dash off to the swanky gym (which has cycling, circuit training and yoga classes), the Rock Spa, an oasis of water and skilled body professionals offering everything from hot-stone massages to chocolate wraps to water lily cooling wraps – perfect for after a day on the beach, the casino and even nightclubs, where you can get your groove on before you kids take over the vacation with their KIDZ BOP activities.

The Takeover

During opening week, KIDZ BOP signs and events popped up all over the place. We splashed in pools as a KIDZ BOP DJ played tunes and some KIDZ BOP Kids signed autographs for excited fans still dripping from the pool. Kids ages 6 to 12 check into the Pop Star Lounge, where they get to work with tour managers to create a custom band name, perfect the hottest dance moves, select a wardrobe and hit the big stage. Designed for kids who love music, the Pop Star Lounge is complete with a listening studio loft. This realistic experience takes imaginary play to another level.

At the Family Beach Olympics, KIDZ BOP kids served as team captains while families competed with each other and jammed to more music. And at the live concert in the Fillmore Ballroom, KIDZ BOP performers belted out their versions of songs like “Sorry Not Sorry” and “Havana.”

Kids, and their parents, crowded around the stage to sing and dance along with the young pop stars.

What was that? Where was Sol?

Oh, he was there. He sat in his plush white loveseat most of the night, munching on blue cotton candy and other treats, taking in the scene coolly, refusing to join me as I jumped up to dance the night away.

Ah, 11-year-olds.

He did get to meet the KIDZ BOP Kids. He posed with them on the pink carpet after the concert, smiling just a little as camera lights flashed.

Back in the hotel room, the kid found his second wind. He rolled up his pants legs, donned some flip flops, a hat and dark sunglasses and forced us to watch him perform.

I decided not to complain too much. He had one more big chance to try his hand at this pop-star life: a Pop Star Karaoke Contest judged by the KIDZ BOP Kids.

Another Kind of Splash

The next morning, we decided to venture off the resort and see some…well…more water. But not the emerald-green beauty of the ocean or sea. That was old news by then. We drove out to see Cap Cana in Scape Park. After snapping pictures of monkeys, macaws, orchids and iguanas, we took a nature trail hike to see Hoyo Azul or “Blue Hole,” a natural limestone sinkhole at the bottom of a cliff. We chose the “cave” route, a narrow passageway wherein we stepped down gingerly between walls of the towering cliff (“It feels like we’re in “Radars of the Lost Ark,” Sol said).

While he hadn’t felt comfortable enough to dance in front of strangers, his intrigue was piqued when we stood at the top of the cliff and looked down. The Hoyo Azul was like nothing we had seen before: the clearest, bluest water that, one writer wrote, feels like cream when you swim in it.

That mesmerizing pool of water is ice-cold, and is, at its deepest, 75 feet. No matter. Sol followed his dad and jumped off the cliff. After the big splash and sharp intake of breath, he lifted his head in a big laugh.

“So brave!” I yelled.

That night, however, as kids hailing from New York, Canada, Brazil and beyond performed during the karaoke contest, Sol, again, hung back, watching, listening, critiquing. And in our room, he again donned a disguise and became a different person, making up dances and lyrics while laughing uncontrollably.

I sighed a sigh of acceptance. While it would have been delightful to see him up on stage living out one of his passions, I realized that the experience had served as inspiration for him. Isn’t that the purpose of vacations: to inspire long after you’ve returned home?

And if our little pop star wants only us as his audience, we’re cool with that, too.

For additional information, visit hardrockhotelpuntacana.com/kidz-bop-experience.htm.

Cassandra Lane is Managing Editor of L.A. Parent.

by Makenna Sievertson

As winter break approaches, lights begin to line houses, and parents start searching for any excuse to get out of the office; it’s starting to feel like that extra special merry time of year. From desert destinations to colder communities,  we are your one stop shop for holiday travel inspiration. These family-friendly towns will make you feel right at home, or give you the ultimate city slicker experience you’ve been searching for. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, New Years or anything else in between, these magical holiday destinations are sure to reignite the spirit of family this winter.

 

Photo credit: Brian Adams

North Pole, Alaska

If your kids say they’re too old to believe in Santa Claus, a visit to North Pole is in order. There’s nothing like reliving your childhood and tapping back into your imagination at this year-round holiday extravaganza. Only a 15 minute drive out of Fairbanks, North Pole comes alive with the spirit of family every winter season. Ice sculptors from around the world travel to participate in the annual Christmas in Ice Contest. The Winter Festival is a kid favorite with breathtaking fireworks, a candle-lighting celebration and the crowning of the King and Queen of North Pole. Stop by the North Pole Post Office to see elves hard at work responding to the annual 400,000 letters addressed to Santa. Take some time out of the chilly Alaska winter wilderness at some of the world-renowned restaurants in town, some of which have been featured on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”. Whatever you decide to do in North Pole, don’t forget to keep your eyes to the sky for the Aurora Borealis Northern Lights!

Photo credit: Kauai Festival of Lights

Kauai, Hawaii

For an escape from the cold and snow, say aloha to Kauai this holiday season. This Hawaiian island is an outdoor enthusiasts dream with nine distinct wilderness preserves, and even though the weather may not match the season, there are plenty of winter adventures in store. Surf with Santa at the 22nd annual Kauai Festival of Lights, a free family photo op that teaches you about the culture of the island and the true meaning of togetherness. Dance away Thanksgiving dinner at the Christmas Luau at Kamokila Village, taste the diverse flavors of the islands at Friday Art Night or unwind with a live ukulele performance by the ocean. For an explosive end to the year, go to the famous Poipu Beach Park for a free family-friendly movie followed by the annual New Year’s Eve Fireworks Celebration. If this sounds like your kind of holiday getaway, make sure to book early! December is one of the busiest times on the island. Hau’oli Makahiki Hou!

Photo credit: Scott Chernis Photography

San Francisco, California

Experience the uniquely Northern Californian charm of San Francisco during the winter. This bustling metropolis is jam packed with kid-friendly things to visit, eat and do. Stop by Fisherman’s Wharf for fresh seafood, decadent chocolate and the magical tree-lighting ceremony. If you love a good show, plan a concert trip to the San Francisco Symphony to hear award-winning artists showcasing holiday favorites. Try not to overload on sugar at the towering gingerbread houses decked out with lights, ornaments and tasty treats on Nob Hill. Snow may be scarce in the California climate, but you can still ice skate! The Embarcadero Center hosts an annual carnival where you can skate and slide to your heart’s content. Walk through the famous Haight and Ashbury neighborhood and see if you can spot psychedelic Santa, a local favorite. If it’s not too chilly, trek across the Golden Gate Bridge for a once in a lifetime view of the bay. Don’t forget a pair of good walking shoes.

Photo credit: FTP Edelman, Wyoming Office of Tourism

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Have an extra special holiday season at Jackson Ho-ho-hole in Wyoming. This tiny town is one of the best vacation destinations, and their seemingly endless winter activities explain why. Snuggled in the Grand Teton National Park, you and your family can get up close and personal with wildlife at the National Elk Refuge while enjoying a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Ski the slopes with Santa and his reindeer on Christmas in Jackson Town Square, practice your best belly laugh with a musical dinner theatre show at the Jackson Play House and warm up by the fire with free hot cocoa. Start your new year off with a bang with Jackson’s mountain torchlight parade, a special Glow Worm parade for kids and an awe-inspiring fireworks display to wrap up the festivities. With plenty of special discounts going on, you’re sure to find something to brag about when you get home.

Photo credit: Danita Delimont

Taos, New Mexico

For a December desert destination, plan a visit to Taos, New Mexico. The town celebrates Yuletide in Taos from Thanksgiving to New Years, giving you plenty of time to take advantage of these unique celebrations. Take a walking tour of the candle-lit farolitos (small paper lanterns) amongst the falling snow, a tried and true New Mexican tradition. Visit the annual Yuletide Arts and Crafts fair or twirl the night away at the Twirl Aglow Party, a kid and family favorite. Purchase your own handmade art at the TaosFolk famous pop-up store, witness the 31st annual tree lighting in the town plaza and listen to local stories under the stars at the Lighting of Ledoux. For all you animal lovers out there, say hello to Santa Paws, a Christmas benefit featuring the Stray Hearts Animal Shelter. With Native American and Latino influences, holidays in New Mexico are a uniquely cultural experience that we encourage you to try at least once – and Taos is definitely the place to be.

Photo credit: courtesy of Explore Charleston, ExploreCharleston.com

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston redefines the true taste of southern charm, and the winter season is no exception. Trek through three miles of over 2 million shimmering lights at James Island County Park’s Holiday Festival of Lights. This tradition brings local landmarks to life and is open every evening, rain or shine, through January 1st, 2019. Explore the Winter Wonderland, roast marshmallows, ride the carousel or go on a train ride through the park. Laugh the stress of the season away with the Charleston Christmas Special, sample delicacies at Wine Under the Oaks, or step back in time with the Family Yuletide in the Stable Yards. For more interactive fun, be a part of your own dinner show with We Three Thieves, where audience members take on characters at a fancy dinner party. For the perfect family-friendly way to bring in the new year, attend the Happy New Year, Charleston in Marion Square. The Holy City sure knows how to celebrate the holy holidays.

Photo credit: washington.org

Washington, D.C.

You may already know better than to discuss politics at Thanksgiving dinner, but that doesn’t mean you can’t visit our nation’s capital this holiday season. Washington D.C. in December is truly magical, as there are a multitude of celebratory light displays across the city. Cross visiting the National Christmas Tree off your bucket list, and see if you can count all 56 handmade ornaments representing the US states and territories. Visit in time for the lighting of the National Menorah on December 2nd, and indulge on some free latkes and hot donuts. Reconnect with your wild side at the Smithsonian ZooLights. For adults, mark your calendars for BrewLights, an immersive craft brew featured experience. You’d be a grinch if you missed Georgetown GLOW, a breathtaking light-art exhibition in D.C.’s most historic neighborhood. The Downtown Holiday Market is worth multiple trips, as you just have to try all the food, drinks, and desserts the vendors offer. D.C. is always teeming with people, but you could be teeming with holiday spirit.

Photo credit: Julienne Schaer

New York, New York

No one celebrates the holidays like New York, New York. Instead of watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV this year, plan a trip with you and your little ones to get all of what this city has to offer. Light the world’s largest Hanukkah Menorahs to kick off the Jewish Festival of Lights at the Plaza Hotel.  Stop by the Rockefeller Center for the famous Christmas Tree lighting or skate away the day at The Rink at Rockefeller. Embrace the diversity of the city with the Brooklyn Nutcracker, a dance genre bonanza that adds a twist to the classic tale. NYC is full of the world’s best and brightest, and New Year’s Eve is no exception. Bring in 2019 with family and fun at the Times Square Ball Drop, but don’t forget to bundle up for the bitter cold. For a fantastical fireworks display, line up along Prospect Park’s West Drive for the best view of the Grand Army Plaza Fireworks Display.

 

 

by Makenna Sievertson

With the days getting shorter and nights getting colder, we think it’s about time for a winter getaway. From California to Vermont, from beginner bunny trails to adrenaline-junkie black diamond rides, these ski-resorts have it all. Not only are the amenities worth bundling up for, their kid-friendly activities make them the perfect family-friendly holiday destination.

Photo credit: Vail Resorts

Heavenly Mountain Resort, California

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Overlooking the cool blue waters of Lake Tahoe, it’s no wonder they named this resort Heavenly. With over 34 miles of trails to ski in both Nevada and California, a kid-friendly zip line and ropes course, Heavenly is more like an outdoor adventure park than a ski resort. Did we mention they have a mountain coaster too? They offer ski and snowboard lessons for all levels of experience, child development teams and even a nursery and day care if your little ones are tuckered out after a day on the slopes. With several properties and types of rooms to choose from, you’re sure to find a match made in heaven.

Photo credit: Abby Hein and Vail Resorts

Park City Mountain Resort, Utah

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Park City is a family-friendly fantasy with their new $50 million investment project debuting this year. Teach your kids in comfort at High Meadow Park, or enjoy a meal on the ridgeline at Cloud Dine with this sustainability-committed resort. Park City offers childcare, youth ski programs and sleigh rides through the town center for a truly immersive kid-friendly winter wonderland. For a parent’s night out, Utah boasts a vibrant nightlife with several bars, restaurants and wine tastings a short walk from the mountain. Pulled a muscle on the slopes? Stop by the RockResorts Spa for a hot stone massage. Park City is only a 30-minute drive from Salt Lake City, so strap on your snow boots and get skiing.

Bridger Bowl, Montana

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Bridger Bowl is perfect for an adventure on a budget. With ski passes $63 a day for adults and $25 for kids 7-12 years old, there’s no excuse for missing out on a snow day. Bridger Bowl is home to over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, 75 trails and comfortable lodging with low rates even during the busiest seasons. They also offer youth ski and snowboard programs, guided ridge terrain tours and a playcare nap room at the ski lodge. Plan your trip for December or January for plenty of local, fun family-friendly events. No need to worry about long lines at Bridger Bowl, just take a moment to enjoy all of what nature has to offer.

Photo credit: Abby Hein and Vail Resorts

Beaver Creek Resort, Colorado

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It wouldn’t be a ski list without Colorado, and Beaver Creek is a real winter gem. Explore 1,800 acres of terrain with three base camps at the only mountain in the US to regularly host the Men’s Alpine Ski World Cup. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, stop by for the daily Cookie Time ritual or one of their four award-winning restaurants on the mountain. Warm up next to the campfire, rest your feet on the heated sidewalks and see a show at the Vilar Performing Arts Center – all with a view of the breathtaking Rocky Mountains. Beaver Creek also offers childcare services, but you may be able to buy some patience at the famous Candy Cabin.

 

Photo credit: Snowshoe Mountain Resort

Snowshoe Mountain Resort, West Virginia

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Leave no trail unexplored at the Snowshoe Mountain Resort in West Virginia. With winter storms from the East and North dumping snow in this little town, you’re sure to get the powder you’re after. Teach your kids at the Ski and Ride School, get your snow legs on trails designed for all abilities or hit the 6-story Tubing Hill for a family-friendly adrenaline rush. When it’s time to hang up the skis, take a sleigh ride through the mountains or stop by the bouncy house/climbing wall/movie room for a cost effective break from the cold. With 11,000 acres to roam in the Appalachian Mountain Range, your family can get the perfect Christmas-card worthy photo in this vast national forest.

Photo credit: Rob Bossi / Okemo Mountain Resort

Okemo Mountain Resort, Vermont

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Get ready for an activity-packed weekend at the Okemo Mountain Resort in Vermont. This location redefines family-friendly with their popular Kids Night, an indoor pool and their year-round Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster. Enjoy a bike trip through the snowy Jackson Gore, take a ride in the Snowtubing Park or watch your kids explore in their very own snowmobile tour. With plenty of events planned through the winter season, you’ll never run out of things to do. For an extra-spectacular Holiday getaway, plan for the end of December to meet Santa and see a torchlight parade and firework show on the slopes.

by Makenna Sievertson

The Historic Hotels of America have released their finalists for the 2018 Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence just in time for holiday vacation. With 17 categories ranging from Best Social Media to Hotel Historian of the Year, we’ve got a few samples to inspire your next family trip.

Airlie

Warrenton, Virginia
Sustainability Champion finalist

Photo credit: Airlie website

Airlie, a 19th century estate burrowed into the Virginian countryside, focuses on reconnecting guests with the great outdoors. With over 300 acres of land, Airlie has its own farm specializing in local dishes and delicacies. Ride a complimentary bike through the fields, take a yoga class on the grass, and unwind at the end of the day with s’mores around the fire. If you’re feeling extra adventurous you can sign up for archery, clay shooting, and complimentary fishing passes. With several variations of rooms and cottages, you are sure to find something that fits your family.

Hotel Captain Cook

Anchorage, Alaska
Best Historic Hotel (Over 400 Guestrooms) finalist

Photo credit: Hotel Captain Cook

Inspired by the Alaskan discoveries of Captain James Cook, his namesake hotel is located in the heart of downtown Anchorage. With most everything in the city walking distance, guests may be tempted skip out on the amenities, but Hotel Captain Cook holds its own. With an astounding four restaurants, private art collection, several athletic clubs, and over 500 rooms to choose from, you may never want to leave. Pro-tip: request a room in an upper floor of the third tower for an extra special view.

The Buccaneer

St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
Best Historic Resort finalist

 

Photo credit: Steve Simonsen Photography

The Caribbean’s longest running family-owned resort, The Buccaneer, is a dreamy snapshot of pure relaxation. With over 340 acres of perks to explore, this island getaway definitely feels like a home away from home. With four sandy white beaches only a short walk away, a water-sports center and weekly crab races, your little mermaids and mermen are sure to earn their gills. While parents spend some quality time at one of the three restaurants or eight tennis courts, kids ages 4-12 can make new friends at the complementary year-round Kids Camp.

Castle Hotel and Spa

Tarrytown, New York
Best Small Historic Inn/Hotel (Under 75 Guestrooms) finalist

Photo credit: Castle Hotel and Spa

If your history-buff kids have ever begged you for their own castle, this 20th century New York hotel is the place for you. The Castle Hotel and Spa sits on 10 wooded acres and includes a breathtaking view of the historic Hudson River. Originally built as a single-family home, the Castle Hotel boasts 31 uniquely refurbished suites and rooms. While the kids explore the grounds or play in the whirlpool, parents can enjoy the luxurious Sankara Spa or a meal at the renowned Equus fine dining restaurant.

 

 

by Makenna Sievertson

PLAZA DE LA FAMILIA AT DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE PARK (ANAHEIM, Calif.) – Plaza de la Familia, a limited-time festivity at Paradise Gardens, celebrates Disney•Pixar’s Academy Award®-winning film “Coco” and the everlasting bonds of family. Guests visiting Plaza de la Familia will enjoy an immersive celebration that includes live entertainment with storytelling, folklórico dancers and mariachi musicians, delicious Mexican fare and interactive experiences such as the new craft where guests make colorful masks like the ones seen in the “Coco” film. This celebration runs from Sept. 7 through Nov. 4, 2018 at Disney California Adventure Park. (Joshua Sudock/ Disneyland)

 

If you’re looking for another excuse to take your kids back to Disneyland and California Adventure, you’re in luck. Disney has unveiled its newest fall attraction, Plaza de la Familia, a Día de los Muertos and “Coco” inspired celebration.

From September 7 through November 4, guests at both parks can enjoy festivities centered around the eternal bond of family. Enter the immersive world and enjoy traditional food offerings like Día de los Muertos Pan de Muerto, dance along with the mariachi band, and learn folklórico. You may catch yourself singing along to “Remember Me,” as you follow Miguel’s journey back to the Land of the Dead in A Musical Celebration of Coco.

You can also take a peek behind the scenes of the making of the film in the enchanting art exhibition, The World of Coco. Look through the eyes of an animator and rediscover your favorite characters by learning about the people and places that inspired Disney•Pixar’s Academy Award-winning film.  Don’t forget to snap a photo in front of the “Árbol de la Vida,” or Tree of Life before you leave.

Can’t get enough “Coco?” Keep your eyes peeled in Cars Land and see if you can find Ramone’s “ofrenda” tribute to Doc Hudson. In Frontierland, try to count how many “cavaleras,” or sugar skulls, you can find.

For more information about Plaza de la Familia or any other Disney attractions, visit their website.

by Makenna Sievertson

Manchester, Vermont


Photo credit: manchestervermont.com

Best time to visit: mid September – mid October

Vermont is a fall foliage must-see thanks to their state tree, the sugar maple. Manchester, located near the border of New York and Massachusetts, is surrounded by brilliant shades of red and orange that stretch as far as the eye can see. Don’t forget a camera as you explore Hildene-The Lincoln Family Home, teach your kids how to pick apples at Mad Tom Orchard, or take a ride up the Skyline Drive for breathtaking views of three states. Manchester’s quaint, family-friendly New England atmosphere will give you plenty of opportunities for good food, quality time, and adventure.  

Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina / Tennessee

Photo credit: Romantic Asheville

Best time to visit: mid October – early November

The Great Smoky Mountains is home to over 100 native species of trees, making it one of the most colorful and popular fall destinations. Scarlet oaks, hickories, and sweetgum trees create a distinct variation of purples, reds, and golds that is sure to make your family photos the envy of your PTA group. There’s no lodging allowed inside the park, but surrounding towns like Asheville and Gatlinburg cater to the seasonal crowds. For a truly once in a lifetime view, trek up to the top of Gatlinburg’s 407 ft Space Needle for a 360 degree view of the mountain range.

Lake Superior, Minnesota

Photo Credit: North Shore Scenic Railroad Archives

Best time to visit: late September – early October

Fall is a special time for Lake Superior, with the distinct maple, aspen, and birch trees coming together to form a charming red-yellow rainbow. For the best view, hike inland along the lake, take the North Shore Scenic Drive towards Canada, or relax on the North Shore Scenic Railroad (they even have a Music and Pizza Train to keep younger passengers entertained). After a weekend of fishing or tubing along the lake, stop by the Duluth Children’s Museum for an interactive family-friendly break from the outdoors.

Garner State Park, Texas

Photo credit: Bobby Gian

Best time to visit: October

With over 95 state parks, there is steep competition for fall foliage in the Lone Star State, but Garner State Park takes the cake. The cool Frio River highlights the yellows and oranges of the oak, mesquite, and cypress trees and the reflection on the water makes for a picturesque scene. With over 1,700 acres of protected land and 11 miles of hikeable trails, Garner State Park has something for every kind of explorer. After a long day out on the water, unwind with late night mini-golf, specialty gelato, or an all-ages dance to celebrate the beginning of fall.

Grand Lake, Colorado

Photo credit: Carol Silk, Historic Rapids Lodge and Restaurant, Grand Lake, Colorado

Best time to visit: September

Grand Lake, Colorado’s largest and deepest natural lake, is surrounded by the distinct aspens of the Rocky Mountain National Park. The plentiful forests typically transition through golden-yellow shades, but if you’re lucky you can catch a rare red aspen dotted amongst the forest. When the trees change, the wildlife come out to play, and Grand Lake is a prime spot to see the majestic elk rut. Visit during the third week of September to take part in the 7th annual Constitution Week, a five-day food and fun festival to celebrate fall.

Bishop Creek Canyon, California

Photo credit: Doug Golupski

Best time to visit: late September – early October

Bishop Creek Canyon, famous for their abundant cottonwood and aspen trees, is one of the best places on the West Coast to witness mother nature’s changing hues. Golden and red shades set the valleys ablaze and the mild California climate helps you maximize your time outdoors. Enjoy a horseback ride through the trails, take a dip in one of the many rivers or streams, or hike through the Eastern Sierras for an adventure packed family-friendly weekend. For some live entertainment at the peak of fall colors check out the Millpond Music Festival or Annual Pow Wow.

by Makenna Sievertson

The Napa Valley is well known for its sprawling wineries and luxurious adult getaways, but the region is also home to several opportunities for family-friendly adventure. Located about an hour north of the San Francisco Bay area, visitors of all ages can enjoy the famous California climate while exploring the protected natural landscapes, various restaurants, or a relaxing spa day in the mineral pools.

 

Outdoor Attractions

Calistoga’s Old Faithful Geyser is a definite family favorite and is one of only three “faithful” geysers in the world. Even the most restless kids will be entertained with a 350 degree spout of water erupting every half hour. The sprays of mist form spectacular rainbows, creating the perfect photo opportunity with a serene Napa landscape. While waiting for the eruption, families can stop by the Old Faithful Animal Farm, a petting zoo featuring Tennessee Fainting Goats, Jacob’s four-horn sheep, and Guard llamas.

For a little natural history lesson you can drive five minutes up the road to the Petrified Forest. Take a walk through the worlds largest petrified redwood trees that were turned to stone 3.4 million years ago by a massive volcanic explosion. The redwood trees, now extinct, have become fossils and are decorated with sparkly mineral quartz that are sure to catch your eye.

Food and Drink

Couple Tasting at The Calistoga Inn and Brewery, Calistoga, Napa Valley, California

Foodies on Foot is a pet and family accessible culinary walking tour highlighting several restaurants in Historic Downtown Napa. The 3-hour tour features 5-7 different eateries with picky eater friendly dishes like pizza and ice cream. Kids under six eat free, those between 6-12 are half price ($35), and the ticket price is $70 for everyone in between.

Many parents would be weary of bringing their children along for a wine tasting, but Castello di Amorosa has more than enough activities to keep your little knights and princesses occupied. The idyllic reproduction of a 13th century Italian castle is near exact, with a moat, dungeon, and suits of armor available to explore. Peacocks, emus, and sheep roam the grounds and can keep the younger ones occupied while parents enjoy an authentic Tuscan wine or cheese tasting.

For something more hands on, The Culinary Institute of America at Copia offers Family Funday every Sunday for all ages and experience levels. Bring the whole family for an hour-long cooking demonstration that teaches both adults and children useful cooking tricks and kitchen skills. The courses always end with a taste of that day’s dish, so your family can learn and enjoy some culinary secrets from some of the best chefs in California.

Arts and Culture

The di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art is centered around the charming Winery Lake and features several educational programs and exhibitions for all ages. Two galleries and a walkable Sculpture Meadow highlight contemporary Bay Area artists on the sprawling 217 acres in Napa’s Carneros region. Admission is free for children 17 and under and the museum offers additional discounts for seniors, military, educators, and students.

Family Lodging

Carneros Inn Resort, Napa Valley, California

Silverado Resort and Spa ($) offers one or two bedroom suites with a full kitchen, private patio, and Wi-Fi access. While parents are enjoying a day at the spa or picking up treats at the Silverado Market and Bakery, children ages 6-12 can participate in a supervised eight-week Golf, Tennis, and Swim Camp (GTS).

At the Indian Springs Calistoga Resort ($$) you can choose between a room, cottage, bungalow, or full house for your visit. It is home to two swimming pools, including a temperature regulated Olympic sized mineral pool. The casual atmosphere is perfect for a relaxing getaway, and the amenities include several outdoor games and complimentary bikes to explore the town.

The Carneros Resort and Spa ($$$) offers several cottages with ample space for the whole family. The resort has three restaurants on-site, two pools, fitness classes, and a selection of dog-friendly amenities for your furry friend. Carneros also hosts Kids’ Night, June through September, with board games, ping-pong, and a kid-friendly movie.

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